Haunted looks on the faces of Norwich’s players are nothing new but perhaps those ugly images at the final whistle against West Brom convinced City’s board it was time for Chris Hughton to finally pay the price.

"The same helplessness and growing sense of a season careering out of control was evident in the defining moments of 2005 and 2009 on the most recent occasions Norwich City exited a division via the back door."

Paddy Davitt

Alex Tettey and Joseph Yobo stood with hands on hips in the centre circle at the final whistle, staring into space, avoiding eye contact, barely able to process the full magnitude of a desperate afternoon. John Ruddy slumped to his haunches on the edge of his own penalty area before becoming embroiled in an ugly verbal altercation with a frustrated fan that underlined the deep fractures in the ‘special relationship’ triggered by a campaign in freefall.

The same helplessness and growing sense of a season careering out of control was evident in the defining moments of 2005 and 2009 on the most recent occasions City exited a division via the back door.

Hughton’s tenure began at Craven Cottage with a 5-0 pummelling down by the Thames. It ended one game shy of a return where Neil Adams is now tasked with leading the search for some salvation.

The abiding image of Hughton will be a man beaten down by the incessant demands of trying to fight against the prevailing tide as he trooped in to face the media after Norwich’s fortress had been breached by a West Brom outfit who arrived in dire need of resuscitation. Albion were defensively resolute and economical in their counter-attacking urges but Norwich were disjointed and sporadic.

It was a mirror image of the previous league tussle at the Hawthorns when City had soaked up pressure and raided with precision on a rare away day to savour. Ben Foster made an excellent save to deny Johan Elmander before the interval and then diverted Robert Snodgrass’ dipping free-kick against his bar, but this was a weary, lacklustre performance to set aside any of those recent limp away offerings. For it to come when City needed to produce merely fuelled the anger and the resentment that swirled around Carrow Road and erupted at the bitter end. Hughton had survived plenty of mini-crises already. Not this one.

The fear as Norwich failed to ease their plight on the road in 2014 was that eventually they would suffer a detrimental reaction on home turf.

Sunderland was clung to with almost religious fervour in the build- up to underline what was possible when the players and supporters rallied behind the same cause in a unified statement of intent.

Norwich had simply beaten a team who exhibited even fewer of the qualities needed to survive than they have mustered in recent weeks; it was an anomaly in a toxic trend.

Hughton’s search for the formula merely took him down blind alleys. His players look increasingly detached and seemingly incapable of grasping whatever tactical instructions he and the rest of the management team tried to impart.

Ryan Bennett started one week and then found himself out of the match day squad the next. Anthony Pilkington was deemed no better than Jonas Gutierrez or Wes Hoolahan – the latter offering definitive proof against the Baggies he has a limited shelf life as a wide left player.

Hughton’s assertion the Irishman could operate in narrower channels to cut inside and probe centrally completely overlooked the pervasive influence of Albion’s Youssouf Mulumbu positioned right in front of two dominant centre backs. There were simply too many bricks in the red wall even for the mesmeric Dubliner.

Ricky van Wolfswinkel started the previous two games and was then shunted to the back of the queue behind Elmander, Gary Hooper and Luciano Becchio.

Hughton was right to shuffle his pack because those he trusted had failed to deliver, but each fresh disappointment raised more doubts about his own managerial limitations. The case for the defence weakened with each debilitating loss.

That is not to absolve Norwich’s squad. The soothing soundbites fail to tally with the laboured efforts on the pitch. Questions over their ability to problem solve in the white hot heat of battle persist; so too the chronic inability to respond to adversity. Against the Baggies you could add a nervousness and reticence in possession fanned by the realisation this was an unmissable opportunity.

City under the hugely popular Adams must now plot a hazardous route to safety past a rejuvenated Fulham, fresh from beating Aston Villa, and a quartet of final fixtures that grow exponentially tougher with each failure to frame their own destiny.

The overpowering stench of defeat on the final whistle on Saturday evoked memories of a similarly dark episode 12 months earlier when a home reverse against Villa looked to have consigned the club to the Football League. Norwich roused themselves manfully to overcome a disinterested West Brom and managerless Manchester City in the final week of that season, but there is a crucial difference this time around.

Norwich can not rely on such favourable conditions again. They must thwart a relegation rival scrapping for their own existence or shock one of the title challengers.

It is a daunting prospect but the intervention of City’s board and the departure of Hughton may just provide the spark.

• Buy Monday’s Eastern Daily Press for a 12-page pullout and the Evening News for a 10-page special on Chris Hughton’s dismissal and Neil Adams’ appointment at Norwich City

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We are all frustrated with how the team has been playing for the last 18 months and the mob with the pitchforks and torches has been out and about for some time now. It is generally acknowledged that the board have managed the club well and the long term growth plan is working, however as supporters we want it all now. I got used to the “never say die” attitude but that refusal to roll over evaporated long ago, taking with it our ability to put any sustained threat on goal. I would love it if we played like Southampton or Swansea. Even when we did not, we used to have the determination to catch them off-balance when they were being expansive. Now there is no heart left in the team. We don’t have the 30M+ megastars that the Big 6 have, but that is not the issue. It is the mood of the team, its inability to break down any reasonably drilled defence, the lack of movement to create openings, rubbish finishing and an error-prone defence and a lack of ability to adapt to what is happening on the pitch. Unfortunately the buck stops with the manager on all these things, though the problem is exacerbated by his commitment to his two assistants who have, rather predictably, let a good man down. Anyone shamefully creating mischief by introducing ethnicity into this discussion should also look at those assistants. I don’t choose who I support; I have been going to Carrow Road since I was 6 and only hope to be able to continue to do so. I don’t expect us to have World stage Champagne Charlies and I don’t want to have the financial record of Southampton; administration, debts written off at the death of Lieberherr and now defaulting on the transfer payments for the players that they could not afford. Clearly under the former regime, nothing other than abject surrender at Craven Cottage seemed likely. Can Neil Adams pull out some sort of Roy of the Rovers or Walt Disney finish to the season? Probably not, but he will be forgiven if he can’t but he seriously has not been given much of a chance. Everyone will be behind him, slim chance of success, high certainty of failure, what are we waiting for? OTBC

GossVolley - I noticed that too. My money is on that being Russell Martin. He made comments on CanaryCall about belief and motivation being the key for success. And as club captain he's in a better position than most to go to the board.

GossVolley - I noticed that too. My money is on that being Russell Martin. He made comments on CanaryCall about belief and motivation being the key for success. And as club captain he's in a better position than most to go to the board.

I've wanted Chris Hughton gone as soon as I could see this inevitability coming from the end of October. However now really was not the time, it's too late. Why it's taken the board so long to act I have no idea. As for Neil Adam's if we go down I don't think anyone but the board can be blamed, but if we stay up the man will be a hero. If he can get the team playing in a cup final, fearless, attacking mentality Saturday, like he did with the youth team, we may just stand a chance.

I agree with you ST in your selection of wingers but that would not be at the expense of Snodgrass who has looked our best striker of late. I would actually play with him in the so called hole and my team for Saturday would be as follows. Ruddy, Martin Turner, Yobo, Olsson (if fit, if not Whitaker), Redmond, Tettey, Johnson, Redmond, Snodgrass, Hooper. I would certainly also have Murphy on the bench to replace Redmond if he fails to deliver. My reason for reinstating Johnson is because he at least shows determination to win the ball, something Howson simply cannot do.

If nothing else this has been one hell of an entertaining season. The pundits be damned, 'twas the right thing to do at a crucial time. Football... it's a game of two halves - unless there's extra time and then there's a few more.

Does history repeat itself? The last outpouring of rage from the fans gave us Paul Lambert. Of course the last internal appointment gave us Brian Gunn, but I am old enough to remember the Dave Stringer era and I am hoping that Neil Adams will give us some similarly outstanding results. I wish him well, his youth team attacked, lets see the seniors do the same.

I am a bit numb about this decision. Don't get me wrong, I do not think we will be relegated. If i was Neil Adams and someone said to me. We will give you 5 points of a start on the bottom 3 with 5 games to go and really all you really need to do is either beat or not lose to Fulham away from home in one of those 5 games and you can be the fans hero then I am sure that Adams or any manager for that matter would bite their hand off. Don't lets be fooled into thinking poor neil adams cannot win here. he actually cannot lose. Stay up with that already inherited 5 point lead and he is a hero. get relegated and don't worry, it was all Chris Hughton's fault. The guy is in the preverbial sweet shop.. Say what you like about CH but he helped earn us 130 million last year and he would have stayed up this year as well. i do think we will still stay up this year as well but No matter who we appoint as our next manager, the same problems will still be there next year, quite simply because we do not have enough money to banish them with the purchase of £25 million players. The proverbial saying of be careful what we norwich fans wish for

These so called "pundits" are getting my back up. What right does Lineker and Shearer have to comment, other than being world class strikers ehem. Shearer did so well as Newcastle manager didn't he? Too scared to get into management or not good enough, they sit in their over priced suits and make-up passing judgement over things they really know little about. Great goal, well, well done Einstein. If any of them had bothered to get to Carra and actually watch some of the pony we had to watch then they would completely understand the sacking. Maybe they always dozed off before the last "highlights".

I have followed Norwich City for many years. I know being realistic that we were never in position financially or a glamour club that could compete with some of the top clubs but that never bothered me. I enjoyed watching Norwich who for the most part played good football , nice to watch but even so we may have lost but at least we competed and always had a good reputation as a good footballing side, a bit like the old West Ham, really good to watch but never won many honours.
We've had our share of heroes over the years Duncan Forbes, Mick Channon, Dave Watson , Steve Bruce, John Deehan , Chris Sutton, Keith Berschin , Grant Holt Ruel Fox and many others, all were players who could lift you during a game even if we were losing.Many went on to greater things some came in the twilight of their careers but all gave us a feeling of pride that they came and went through our club.
Manager wise we have not been so lucky since the likes of Ken Brown, John Bond , Mike Walker and Paul Lambert
I have never thought that Chris Hughton has inspired any of out team to give us fans someone to get behind with positive football.
I personally believe Wes Hoolahan, Robert Snodgrass , Martin Olsen all could be our todays heroes but not under the Hughton system.Ryan Bennett and Garrido are others who could shine for us but not under Hughton. The two forwards Hooper and Wolkswinkel could turn out to be good players but not under the system we have played with Hughton.( and why when these two were not scoring did he never give Becchio more of a chance)
So I am glad Hughton has gone, I wish Adams keeps us up but I would not blame him one bit if he doesn't manage it but I think if we do go down with him in charge we will go down with dignity - something we wouldn' have done with Hughton

Let's forget for a moment the personal insults and yes, racially tinged, comments being directed at Chris Hughton.
In today's pro football Norwich can never be one of the top teams. They could have Alex Ferguson in his prime at the helm and without the millions needed to get the top players and supporting infrastructure he'd not make them champions or euro competitors.
In any event, if Norwich suddenly found themselves with a world class player, he wouldn't be hanging around Carrow Road for long as we've seen over the decades.
So, it's a matter of making the most of what you have and can get.
Somehow Paul Lambert managed to do that for a few seasons but even he was struggling a bit before he left.
Where Hughton has signally failed where Lambert succeeded, is in inspiring the best out of what he has. He's also made some expensive mistakes on the transfer market.
As fans we can ask no more of our players than they give their all on the pitch for their very high wages. It's obvious to everyone that Chris Hughton and his coaching staff have failed dismally to inspire them to do that and have, probably too late, paid the price.
The board cannot escape criticism. It was clear as long ago as OctoberNovember that the writing was on the wall but in an apparent attempt to be statesmanlike and not appear to be panicking they simply buried their heads in the sand. Now they have emerged, blinking, into the light the ship is almost certainly holed too badly to stay afloat in the Premiership.
Sad, sad, sad.

Three points on Saturday or Canaries will go down, the players are much better than they have shown for most of this season, good luck to Adams he will need it as Fulham is a bogey team for Norwich, must play Pilkington and Redmond and go forward.

As others have said, losing 1-0 to newly-promoted Hull who played for an hour with 10 men was a very early warning of what was to come. Snodgrass grabbing the ball and missing the penalty against Villa home was another - if Van Wolfswinkle had banged in his second Premiership goal then who knows what might have happened. Norwich City is a great job for somebody- popular club, huge loyal fan base, great facilities, supportive board, brilliant away support - it's a gift for someone, as Mr. Lambert clearly realised. Neil Adams has nothing to lose.

Let's hope that Neil will give us a lift to keep us in the premiership but he should have been given the chance at Christmas and that's down to McNally ,I do not agree with those that think Chris has been hard done by as us fans gave him game after game to put things right before turning on him.As the EDP poll indicate the vast majority think it is right to sack him.

When it gets to the point where I'm dreading watching my team for fear of another poor performance, which hasn't happened for a very long time, then I can only be happy with the sacking. Hughtons style was defensive and dull and I welcome the chance of some decent attacking football. Maybe we will still go down but better to go fighting than with a whimper. Can't wait for Saturday now. Come on you yellows.

Nice guy but not really a good enough manager would be my verdict. Article in the Guardian today references players being more focused on not making mistakes than on creating opportunities. My impression was that players in all positions were selected first and foremost for their defensive solidity. Thus Wes has only recently been given a go, Fox spends his life out on
loan, Redmond comes off the bench when we are chasing the game and Ellmander is always to be preferred up front.
As a manager you have to pick a backup team that complements your own strengths. Hughton surrounded himself with like minded coaches with whom he felt comfortable. He needed a strong minded attacking coach but choose not to find one so we have been predictable and one dimensional. Forget talk about playing 2 upfront on many occasions, it might have said that on the team sheet but it didn't look like that on the pitch.
Everyone says Adams has a difficult job but I disagree. Most of us expect relegation. All we want to see in the last 5 games is a Norwich team playing on the front foot, having a real good go and trying to hurt the opposition. If we get that and still go down so be it. If we stay up Neil can have the freedom of the city.

As others have said, losing 1-0 to newly-promoted Hull who played for an hour with 10 men was a very early warning of what was to come. Snodgrass grabbing the ball and missing the penalty against Villa home was another - if Van Wolfswinkle had banged in his second Premiership goal then who knows what might have happened. Norwich City is a great job for somebody- popular club, huge loyal fan base, great facilities, supportive board, brilliant away support - it's a gift for someone, as Mr. Lambert clearly realised. Neil Adams has nothing to lose.

My polite and carefully considered effort has met with repeated ethering. The fans did not get Hughton sacked; Hughton did. I`m not typing the whole thing again. Good luck to Neil Adams - Btw, he is no`Gunny`, he has put in his coaching miles, BG hadn`t. Whatever happens, I`d guess he`ll still be a valued member of the coaching team - and he may have our future in his hands. OTBC.

Interestingly the Guardian reported that a well respected senior squad member commented in private that Hughton's constant criticism and focus on the negative made them so focussed on not making mistakes they were scared to play. Sounds about right to me. Thanks for the (few) good times Chris, like beating Fergies Man U, but I have to say it's been a long time coming. In Adams we trust. OTBC

Well looks like most people got their wish, just a bit late. I do think a change of strategy is one of the only things that may save us (the other just depends on Fulham, Cardiff and Sunderland though.) Should be interesting to see how we set-up against Fulham. Onwards and Upwards! OTBC

WOW
What a great opportunity for Neil Adams.
Team selection wont change much, but positions and making sub changes will.
Football is a funny game, next season maybe Neil will be a full time EPL manger with Man Utd or England after him.
And Chris getting a job in the BBC pundit role.

Anyone who's watched City's every game, knows that we have under C Hughton played very negative football, and the times we have tried to play, we have been mullered, by quality players, from the very first game under CH our store was set, our star striker went from 20 goals to under 10, then like all new inexperienced managers broke up a team and replaced them with panic buys without knowing their strengths or how to fit them to make a team, up to his last game CH never knew his best 11, his coaching team looked like dummys sitting on the bench, all in all like many he should have gone at latest Xmas, we should have learned from past mistakes, but the board shuffled on till the decision was taken out of their hands, like Worthington and Rodent, a march through the city would not have gone down to well at the club, and it seems he had lost the dressing room on Saturday, so the only way out was the door, Norwich were well and truly faithful to CH to the end, but in reality they buried there heads in the sand a prayed for the next 3 points... but better late than never OTBC

Top post from S Kaye-Smith, echoes my sentiments entirely. Going to Hull and seeing Norwich playing it across the back four in the final 10 minutes, 1-0 down against 10 men from a newly-promoted side was incredible. 58 shots in total against newly-promoted Cardiff resulting in 1 goal and one point, then other games where the opposition could have put a traffic cone in goal and still we wouldn't score. It's been a shambles and the rumblings from players about fall-outs, poor tactics and every team Norwich play are world-class, including teams from lower divisions in the cups, is seeing us fall from grace. CH in charge would have been a goal-feast for Fulham, with hand-wringing and consternation on the touchline. Whatever happens now will see us at least put some spirit and passion into the final five matches. OTBC.

No point in looking backwards. Many wanted CH out and that is what they got, a decent enough chap but just didn't manage to cut the mustard. Five games left and 15 PL points to play for, hopefully Neil Adams can lift the players, improve the tactics and get some points. I am sure the fans will be re-ignited behind the team and roar them on. City to stay up ! OTBC

Strange facts. All of Norwich's 8 wins were preceded by a loss, and Norwich nearly always lost following a draw (one exeption where they drew again). It almost looks like Norwich was playing to a formula.

I am afraid you all expect a little too much of Norwich city they like ten other teams in the premier league are only there to make up the numbers, its far better to get relegated and fight for promotion than fight against relegation every year gives you something to aim for.

I am afraid you all expect a little too much of Norwich city they like ten other teams in the premier league are only there to make up the numbers, its far better to get relegated and fight for promotion than fight against relegation every year gives you something to aim for.

Well looks like most people got their wish, just a bit late. I do think a change of strategy is one of the only things that may save us (the other just depends on Fulham, Cardiff and Sunderland though.) Should be interesting to see how we set-up against Fulham. Onwards and Upwards! OTBC

Is it bad timing? Of course but after Saturday things were getting ugly. Real ugly. Fans throwing things at Hughton on mass, Ruddy getting into arguments with Barclay fans, Elmander doing his usual finger pointing and arguing with someone in the City stand. Is Neil Adams the man i'd have chosen? No not really, but at this point nobody else would take on the job with 5 games left and to me while others say its madness to sack now, its no more risky than keeping him and already knowing how the Fulham game will go. For me we are in a win win situation. Go down and its exactly what most of us were expecting anyway and nobody will hold Adams responsible. Stay up however and Adams will be a hero. Whats getting my goat is anyone not related to NCFC (like Gary Lineker etc) having a pop at NCFC fans (calling us deluded) and moaning at McNally. Anyone connected to NCFC (even the most loyal Hughton supporter) can relate and understand why the club has done what its done. I like to see myself as a realist. In this day an age NCFC will never be more than a midtable side. Heck midtable would be like winning the league in my eyes! With that I of course accept that NCFC will lose more games than we will win. This is where I believe the mainstream media get confused. We as a club are not so much bothered with the losing, its the manor that we consistently lose, especially away from home. If it was the odd no show its be understandable but its weeks after week. For me hughton should've gone after the Man City away total no show but alas it didnt happen and it was always going to be a matter of time. Personally had their been a suitable candidate out there out of work it would have happened sooner. One thing I must stress now though is we move on and back the lads and Neil. Ive been very vocal in my feelings towards Hughton but getting offensive and abusive isnt needed guys. We all know hes a nice bloke, too nice even but he spell has been snowballing out of control to long and now hes been removed. Leave it at that and draw a line under it and get behind the lads. One thing I know is im now 100% more positive than I was before saturday about going to fulham this week.OTBC

Great post as usual Brew. To be fair to Chris Hughton, I am sure he can go on to manage elsewhere and be successful but he just was not the right fit for NCFC. I would however suggest to him that he seeks different coaches and background staff in his next job or that too may turn sour. For me the biggest trick he missed was moving Snodgrass into the hole roll as he has looked our best striker during the last half dozen games or so. Perhaps Neil Adams saw the game the same way as me on Saturday and may give this a try.

a really nice guy,but got bogged down with his tactics.the other teams sussed us out.they new we are defense minded,and knew we where not set up to score goals.made some poor signings,(what was elmander all about) +jonas.i am afraid with the system hoots used hooper and wolfy never stood a chance.lets hope we now go forward and try to score goals.after all that is the whole purpose of football.

I am sick of these comments " A really nice guy" this is spin from missus Crisp packet and Sheargar, do you really have any evidence for this description of Hoots. The way he seems to have treated some Norwich players current and former suggests he is not nice at all, good riddance to bad rubbish

If nothing else this has been one hell of an entertaining season. The pundits be damned, 'twas the right thing to do at a crucial time. Football... it's a game of two halves - unless there's extra time and then there's a few more.

Oh dear. The wheels have finally and truly fallen off. Well, the majority of fans have got their way. No doubt that the crowd reaction on Saturday is what got him sacked now. Pure panic from the board. Can only assume they're putting it all on the Fulham game and hoping we get the new manager 'bounce' next weekend. Who knows about the last 4 games. Say what you will about Hughton, but his results against the big teams (at home) have been pretty good. His style of play seemed to suit those games...who knows what Adams will bring. Best of luck to him - I hope all the fans calling for this (and some even calling for Adams himself) are right. Personally I suspect not. I know most will disagree, but I think we're more likely to go down now than we were before this sacking (largely as I think we'd have got something out of the home games against the big boys). Ah well, the fans have spoken, the board have acted. From some of the postings here over the past few months, it was clear that many wanted Hughton gone at any cost. Well, now they've got their wish - and I suspect the cost will be, to DM, a fate worse than death. Funny, up until my last post, I was being called a happy clapper on here by those who know best. Now I'm the pessimist. I will be keeping everything crossed in the hope we stay up, but I think if we go down now, it will be no more or less than the board and the fans who caused this to happen now deserve.

Shame we didn't get the unabridged version of MB's post. Still, there are many other excellent comments here, especially . rjukancanary, dump canary, Muchlinski, lordbesty and, of course, Matt, whose contribution only took 2 minutes to read (somehow, Matt, I was expecting more on this momentous morning). But special mention for London Canary.......don't agree with him about "moaning fans". It's "moaning fans" who have forced the board into doing what Hughton should have done voluntarily months ago, just like Holloway did when he realised that it takes more than just being a "nice guy" to manage in the PL. However, "irregardless" of the "moaning fans" comment, London Canary has taught me several new words including "jubilated". In defiance of every dictionary, spell-checker, and auto-correct facility, he has described exactly how I feel today....jubilated. Now let's hope City fans at Craven Cottage can "jubilate" the players on Saturday and bring a smile back to our collective "boat race". OTBC.

Welcome to the Rjukan ice festival. Such a good posting that I looked up Rjukan on google. I hope Neil is there for five games only and meanwhile I would like to throw young Clough and Big Sam (unpopular at WH) into the ring.

I for one am jubilated that he has gone, I think he was the wrong man for the job from the beginning but I gave him a chance to no avail. This year has stunk of the 0506 and 0809 season and the board have rightly acted. I think we would have been relegated irregardless and this move allows Adams a chance to install some tactics and belief on the training ground and pitch. I really do get a bit bored of some of the City "faithful" constantly moaning and being pessimistic. If its not "sack the manager" then it's "aw this is too late in the day to make a difference" to "look at our last 4 games". Come on lets all show a little solidarity and positivity, I truly believe that we will pick up some points in the last four games, look at Arsenals form, look what Palace did to Chelsea the other week and we have shown in the past that we can draw and even beat some of the best on our day. I know this is coming from a rather optimistic point of view but whats the point of forever being bemoaning about our beloved team?! Anyway OTBC!!!

A lot of people wanted Adams in for the last few matches so we have to trust his judgement to field the best team he thinks will do the job and employ the right tactics. If fans see the players putting their hearts into it 100%, then we will all be happy, the support will be there to lift the team and who knows we might yet escape relegation. He needs our 100% support no matter what the team is! Equally the players need our 100% support to lift their confidence too.

I was one of many who initially felt that Hughton was a perfect pick for that job. I was `guilty` of saying I thought he was here for `the long haul`. There`s no doubt he got out of jail with those two gift-wrapped wins at the end of last season. They masked an underlying decline which continued into this season. We`ve had humiliating thrashings, a limp surrender to a non-league club (last season), failure to beat Fulham at home - a side so bad at the time, that it had the Radio Partridge commentators almost in fits of laughter. etc, etc, etc. So, now it seems the `detractors, dissenters and those on the periphery` at least had some peripheral vision, as opposed to the `tunnel` variety, young Padster. All water under Carrow Bridge now. I`m sure the fans will be wishing Neil Adams all the best; he is NOT another Gunny, Neil has done his coaching apprenticeship and knows his football. Nobody is going th blame him if he fails to rescue us at the 12th hour. Likewise, few people will get too excited should he get `lucky` and save our bacon. He is, perhaps, unlikely to become permanent manager (yet?), but surely would remain a highly valued member of the coaching team. He may have the key to our future... But you never know. Good luck, Neil. To the players - `grow a pair`. (Gauche, but de rigueur, expression!). OTBC.

IMO its been waiting to happen for a while but always for one reason or another never happened. However Saturday the clubs reached a new low. It was getting really nasty. From NCFC fans fighting, Ruddy grabbing a ST holder in the Lower Barclay to Elmander have an argument with one of the City Stands more upper class fans. Dont get me started on the stupid clappers getting chucked at players and the manager either (which we will surely get in trouble with the FA about). Outside the main entrance fans were protesting....it turned nasty guys. This had to happen and now its how we go about making this horrible time to be a NCFC fan a positive. Adams isn't my long term choice but am I going to boo or refuse to back him? Am I heck, Ill be behind the boys like I always am from the first whistle at Craven Cottage.

I am afraid you all expect a little too much of Norwich city they like ten other teams in the premier league are only there to make up the numbers, its far better to get relegated and fight for promotion than fight against relegation every year gives you something to aim for.

WOW
What a great opportunity for Neil Adams.
Team selection wont change much, but positions and making sub changes will.
Football is a funny game, next season maybe Neil will be a full time EPL manger with Man Utd or England after him.
And Chris getting a job in the BBC pundit role.

Jack Muchlinski I'm pretty sure if we're going to counter attack the team mustn't include Slowgrass! If Bennett is fit I'd have him on the right with Redmond on the left and get them to swap sides during the game. Also Hoolahan is our most creative player and links well with Hooper and should play in front of Tettey and Johnson.

Nobody will blame Neil for what may happen, he has been left with an unenviable task, but there may well be a lot more fight and spirit shown in the final five games. It could always be worse, we could be very blue supporters down the road lol.... if we do go down i hope we play them in the first round of games so we can get our goals for column off to a flyer !!!

Excellent posting Putney. I am also a "happy clapper" who has turned. Totally agree that this is a desperate throw of the dice on next Saturday. Interestingly, since the sacking Hills have shortened the odds on our relegation from 6to4 to 6to5
And rjukan, agree with your assessment too - especially the potential motives for the vileness of some postings.
All very sad

I am afraid you all expect a little too much of Norwich city they like ten other teams in the premier league are only there to make up the numbers, its far better to get relegated and fight for promotion than fight against relegation every year gives you something to aim for.

I am afraid you all expect a little too much of Norwich city they like ten other teams in the premier league are only there to make up the numbers, its far better to get relegated and fight for promotion than fight against relegation every year gives you something to aim for.

I would like Adams take each player to one side and ask them where they would feel most comfortable playing and then try to accommodate them accordingly. Hopefully, Redmond will say on the right, Snodgrass will say on the left, Wes will say in the hole, Becchio will say anywhere except on the bench and Pilkington will say for another club. And the fans will say.......COYY.

I think we may still get spanked on Saturday but I'm so glad he's done. Board should now start their search with urgency as the sooner we start building for next season the better. We'll need to know which division we are in however. Lose Saturday and that looks clear. I really really hope we get a performance Saturday. team selection is going to be fascinating.

Be careful what you wish for. Roy Keane was bombed at ITFC and look who replaced him. Paul Jewell,the worst manager they ever had.Both Norwich and Ipswich are always going to be also r
ans with little prospect of keeping in the top flight. Let's just be nicer to each other. There a thought for a dull Monday morning.

Keep Pilkington as far away from the match day squad as possible- he exhibits none of the qualities you would expect from a winger. Team against Fulham should be: Ruddy, Martin, Bassong, Yobo, Olsson (if fit). Tettey, Johnson and Howson in a central midfield trio with Howson operating furthest forward. Redmond an Snod on the wings with Hooper up front. We have to play a team capable of counter-attacking as Fulham will need to commit players forward in search of the win. Johnson and Tettey operating infront of the back four should sure up any defensive frailties of late and Howson plays best in the "Wes" role. Can't play Wes and Howson in the same team...

I guess having a lot of non-NCFC people commenting on our position in the press and on MOTD etc is part and parcel of being in the top division and part of the general professional football circus these days. Oh well, more than likely we won't have to worry about that too much from next year...
Brew - I think it's a point of emphasis. What you're saying, I think, is that Hughton deserved to be sacked. He didn't "get himself" sacked. Had the reaction been different at the ground on saturday then I think he likely wouldn't have been sacked...so I do think the fans had a huge part to play in this (particularly the timing). He'd have gone at the end of the season whether we stayed up or not - that was his own doing. So, the fans that wanted this should give themselves a huge pat on the back for getting what they wanted. Who knows if CH would have kept us up...but I can certainly see why all the non-NCFC pundits say what they say. If this happened at another club I guess we'd all be saying it's crazy and makes us one of the three favourites to go down (if we weren't already)...only have to look at the movement in our relegation odds in last 24 hours to see what the bookies think...